Recently the President of the MRA wrote to the members and wider community after we learnt of a violent incident in Power Memorial Park. Residents raised concerns about whether the inadequate lighting in the park was a factor. Lack of visibility meant that others were unable to see the alleged attack and were therefore unable to intervene and potentially reduce the seriousness of the incident.
Consequently the MRA on your behalf reached out to our Division 8 representative Councillor Taylor Bunnag to assess our concerns and investigate potential solutions.
Bearing in mind local residents, turtle breeding and other lighting scenarios for our area, Taylor as usual was responsive and today organised a site visit. Also attending was Senior Sergeant Hardy Wirth OIC Coolum Police, and the Council’s lighting expert.
A number of options were discussed re new amenities and works being undertaken in the Park with existing footpaths lighting and gardens. A Crime Prevention Through Environmental design lens (CPTED) was also used in the discussions. Consequently Taylor has commenced a planning options paper to improve the lighting in critical areas that will raise community safety, be a deterrent for anti social behaviour in the park, provide asset protection for our ammenities and improve sight lines in the area as well.
Taylor will keep us all updated on the progress of the plans and we thank him for his responsiveness and strong support for our community.
We also used the chance to discuss new technology initiatives to kerb ‘hoon driving’ in our area. Taylor is also looking to trial high tech motion cameras to capture speeding and hoon drivers on key roads in and around Mudjimba, Pacific Paradise and Twin Waters. Capturing this behaviour on camera gives the Traffic Branch of our local police the evidentiary material they need to pursue offending drivers/riders. These new cameras will be a great deterrent for this behaviour that impacts on the safety and good order of our community. Spread the word so the offending drivers can look elsewhere other then our area to menace.
Many thanks Councillor Bunnag.
